The Castle was the former Bishops' Palace, the residence of the Archbishops of St Andrews. The first castle on this site probably dates from around 1200 - evidence in itself that the office was as much political as religious in medieval times. For example, it was the Archbishop of St Andrews who, in 1306, placed the Scottish Crown upon the head of Robert the Bruce at his coronation at Scone in defiance of Edward I, an act for which the Archbishop was later imprisoned.

Over the centuries, the Castle has witnessed many conflicts and deeds of infamy, among them the martyrdom of George Wishart and the murder of Cardinal Beaton. It was also besieged many times, the most famous being the siege of 1546-1547, when the mine and counter-mine were dug.

Eventually destroyed during the Reformation, the Castle is now in ruins. A modern visitor centre houses exhibits about the Castle and visitors can also explore the mines and the infamous bottle dungeon.

St Andrews Castle Historic Scotland St Andrews Castle North Street St Andrews Fife Open all year. Admission charge. Combined ticket with Cathedral available. : 01334 477196 :www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/